Aircraft Folding Table With Dual-Axis Screen Segments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collapsible tables for aircraft lack versatility in use, particularly in accommodating a screen for multiple viewing and working positions, and do not efficiently minimize storage space when stowed.

Innovation Solution

A table with two tabletop segments that can pivot or rotate about two axes, allowing for various configurations including a screen on one segment, enabling flexible use as a table or screen, and minimizing storage space by folding against a wall or seat backrest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed with a fixed structure for screen mounting, then the screen can be displayed, but the table lacks versatility for different use positions and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in useVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table top is divided into two separate segments that can move independently relative to each other. The first table top segment supports the screen, while the second table top segment can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while providing overall versatility through their relative movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table incorporates two rotational degrees of freedom that allow dynamic adjustment of the table top segments. The first rotation enables the table top segments to pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations, while the second rotation allows adjustment of the relative angle between segments. This dynamic capability transforms a static structure into a versatile, adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed with multiple degrees of freedom for flexibility, then various configurations are possible, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The table top segments are designed to nest within each other when folded. The second table top segment can be positioned inside or adjacent to the first segment, and both segments can be folded against the wall or support structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied during storage while maintaining the capability for multiple configurations during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The table utilizes rotational movements in multiple dimensions to achieve compact folding. By rotating segments about different axes (horizontal and vertical rotations), the table can collapse into a compact form that fits against walls or in limited spaces, effectively using dimensional transitions to reduce storage footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the screen is fixed to the table structure, then the assembly is simple, but the screen cannot be adjusted to comfortable viewing positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen adjustabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is mounted on the first table top segment, which itself is rotatably connected to the support structure. This dynamic mounting allows the screen to be adjusted to various orientations and angles, enabling comfortable viewing positions while maintaining a relatively simple mounting mechanism that utilizes the existing rotational degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first table top segment serves multiple functions: it supports the screen, provides a viewing surface, and acts as part of the table surface when in horizontal position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures, as the table top segment itself provides the mounting platform while enabling screen adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2250089B1Folding table
Publication Date: 2013.02.20 LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
  • EP2250089B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2250089B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2250089B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The object of the invention is a table for attachment to the wall of an aircraft or the like, having a table plate made of it least two table plate segments, which can be moved relative to one another. According to the invention, the following features are provided: a) at least one table plate segment has a display screen on one side; b) two table plate segments can be pivoted and/or rotated relative to one another about at least two axes, wherein the first axis runs parallel to an edge of one table plate segment and the second axis runs substantially perpendicular to said first axis in the plane of a table plate segment.